Cushing's disease in canines is characterized by the development of a non-cancerous tumor usually small in size in the pituitary or adrenal gland. Susceptibility to the disease is high in older dogs and certain breeds like dachshunds and terriers. |
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Some of the signs indicating towards the contraction of the disease include increased rate of breathing, excessive thirst and intake of water, and lack of control over urination. In severe circumstances, the disease may lead to convulsions and even blindness.
Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, treatment can be commenced. The most heartening news for any dog owner whose pet is detected with Cushing’s disease is that the condition is completely curable.
Surgery may be recommended in cases where the tumor is located in the adrenal gland. However, the same is not an option if the site of the tumor is the pituitary gland. Radiation therapy is often conducted to decrease the size of the tumor. Drugs prescribed for the treatment of Canine Cushing’s disease include chemotherapy drugs like Lysodren or Ketaconazole that are effective on the disease irrespective of its location. However, lysodren is seen to produce side effects in the form of sickness, diarrhea, decreased appetite, fatigue and reduced amounts of cortisol. Treatment of Cushing’s disease in the pituitary gland can be carried out by consumption of Anipryl that is known to have lesser repercussions in comparison to the chemotherapy drugs. Cushing's disease usually does not pose any risk to the dog’s life and results of the treatment can be observed within 4 to 6 months. However, being a progressive disorder if treatment is not commenced at an inappropriate stage, the disease may prove fatal.
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